Punjab Newsline,Sports :
Wareham and Tanuja Return as Delhi Stick With Winning Combination
In the 17th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Delhi Capitals Women won the toss and chose to bowl first. Showing confidence in their successful combination from the previous match, Delhi Capitals decided to go in unchanged, backing a line-up that delivered a strong performance in their last outing.
Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues explained that batting becomes slightly easier in the second innings on this surface, with dew expected to play a role later in the evening. She said the team would continue to stick to its plans and focus on execution. Emphasising learning with every game, Rodrigues highlighted the importance of collective effort, crediting her teammates for consistently supporting her leadership on the field.
On the other hand, Gujarat Giants Women made two notable changes to their playing XI in a bid to improve team balance. Georgia Wareham and Tanuja Kanwar were brought into the side, replacing Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Happy Kumari. Gujarat captain Ashleigh Gardner said her team was prepared to bat first regardless of the toss outcome. She noted that the presence of powerful batters in the middle order gives the side added strength. Gardner also confirmed that Wyatt-Hodge was ruled out due to illness, which opened the door for Wareham’s return, while Sophie Devine moved back to the top of the order.
Delhi Capitals enter the contest with a well-balanced squad, combining explosive batting with a disciplined bowling attack. Openers Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee are expected to provide a fast start, while the middle order featuring Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp forms the backbone of the batting unit. In bowling, the team will rely on the experience of Sneh Rana and Minnu Mani to apply pressure in key moments.
Gujarat Giants, meanwhile, will look to their opening pair of Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine to lay a solid foundation. Captain Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham are expected to contribute in all departments, while the bowling attack led by Renuka Singh Thakur and Rajeshwari Gayakwad adds depth to the side. Overall, with both teams fielding strong line-ups, the match promises to be a closely contested and exciting encounter.
Playing XIs
Delhi Capitals Women:
Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (wk), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Chinelle Henry, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma
Gujarat Giants Women:
Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur